Tombstone Blues

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
[Intro]
E
[Verse 1]
E A E
The sweet pretty things are in bed now of course
E A E
The city fathers they're trying to endorse
E A E
The reincarnation of Paul Revere's horse
E A E
But the town has no need to be nervous
E A E
The ghost of Belle Starr she hands down her wits
E A E
To Jezebel the nun she violently knits
E A E
A bald wig for Jack the Ripper who sits
E A E
At the head of the chamber of commerce
[Chorus]
A E
Mama's in the factory, she ain't got no shoes
A E
Daddy's in the alley, he's lookin' for food
A E
I am in the kitchen with the tombstone blues
[Interlude]
E
[Verse 2]
E A E
The hysterical bride in the penny arcade
E A E
Screaming she moans, "I've just been made"
E A E
Then sends out for the doctor who pulls down the shade
E A E
And says, "My advice is to not let the boys in"
E A E
Now the medicine man comes and he shuffles inside
E A E
He walks with a swagger and he says to the bride
E A E
"Stop all this weeping, swallow your pride
E A E
You will not die, it's not poison"
[Chorus]
A E
Mama's in the factory, she ain't got no shoes
A E
Daddy's in the alley, he's lookin' for food
A E
I am in the kitchen with the tombstone blues
[Interlude]
E
[Verse 3]
E A E
Well, John the Baptist after torturing a thief
E A E
Looks up at his hero, the Commander-in-Chief
E A E
Saying, "Tell me great hero, but please make it brief
E A E
Is there a hole for me to get sick in?"
E A E
The Commander-in-Chief answers him while chasing a fly
E A E
Saying, "Death to all those who would whimper and cry"
E A E
And dropping a barbell he points to the sky
E A E
Saying, "The sun's not yellow, it's chicken"
[Chorus]
A E
Mama's in the factory, she ain't got no shoes
A E
Daddy's in the alley, he's lookin' for food
A E
I am in the kitchen with the tombstone blues
[Interlude]
E
[Verse 4]
E A E
The king of the Philistines his soldiers to save
E A E
Puts jawbones on their tombstones and flatters their graves
E A E
Puts the pied pipers in prison and fattens the slaves
E A E
Then sends them out to the jungle
E A E
Gypsy Davey with a blowtorch he burns out their camps
E A E
With his faithful slave Pedro behind him he tramps
E A E
With a fantastic collection of stamps
E A E
To win friends and influence his uncle
[Chorus]
A E
Mama's in the factory, she ain't got no shoes
A E
Daddy's in the alley, he's lookin' for food
A E
I am in troube with the tombstone blues
[Interlude]
E
[Verse 5]
E A E
The geometry of innocent flesh on the bone
E A E
Causes Galileo's math book to get thrown
E A E
At Delilah who's sitting worthlessly alone
E A E
But the tears on her cheeks are from laughter
E A E
Now, I wish I could give Brother Bill his great thrill
E A E
I would set him in chains at the top of the hill
E A E
Then send out for some pillars and Cecil B. DeMille
E A E
He could die happily ever after
[Chorus]
A E
Mama's in the factory, she ain't got no shoes
A E
Daddy's in the alley, he's lookin' for food
A E
I am in the kitchen with the tombstone blues
[Interlude]
E
[Verse 6]
E A E
Where Ma Rainey and Beethoven once unwrapped their bedroll
E A E
Tuba players now rehearse around the flagpole
E A E
And the National Bank at a profit sells road maps for the soul
E A E
To the old folks home and the college
E A E
Now, I wish I could write you a melody so plain
E A E
That could hold you dear lady from going insane
E A E
That could ease you and cool you and cease the pain
E A E
Of your useless and pointless knowledge
[Chorus]
A E
Mama's in the factory, she ain't got no shoes
A E
Daddy's in the alley, he's lookin' for food
A E
I am in the kitchen with the tombstone blues
[Outro]
E E
Alright

Tombstone Blues chords and lyrics

Free chords for Tombstone Blues by Bob Dylan. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

[Intro]
E
[Verse 1]
[Chorus]
[Interlude]
E
[Verse 2]
[Chorus]
[Interlude]
E
[Verse 3]
[Chorus]
[Interlude]
E
[Verse 4]
[Chorus]
[Interlude]
E
[Verse 5]
[Chorus]
[Interlude]
E
[Verse 6]
[Chorus]
[Outro]

Tombstone Blues Chords by Bob Dylan

Learn how to play Tombstone Blues by Bob Dylan with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Tombstone Blues chords”, “Tombstone Blues guitar chords”, or “Bob Dylan Tombstone Blues chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Tombstone Blues chords and for experienced players who want accurate Tombstone Blues lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include E, A, B.

Frequently asked questions about Tombstone Blues

How do I play "Tombstone Blues" by Bob Dylan on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Tombstone Blues" by Bob Dylan on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Tombstone Blues" by Bob Dylan free?

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Can I transpose "Tombstone Blues" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Tombstone Blues" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Tombstone Blues"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Tombstone Blues" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Tombstone Blues" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Tombstone Blues" by Bob Dylan with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Bob Dylan below.

What key is "Tombstone Blues" in?

The chords for "Tombstone Blues" show the original chord names (including E, A, B). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.